Adoptions

ADOPTIONS

Adoptions are confidential and handled with the upmost respect for all parties. The court itself cannot give legal advice but can help with basic information.

Some common types of Michigan adoptions include:

Agency Adoptions (AO). The birth parent may release the child to a child placing agency and the agency will select the prospective adoptive parent.

Direct Placement Adoptions (AD). A parent or guardian who has legal and physical custody of a child may make a direct placement of the child for adoption. Birth parents may directly transfer the child’s physical custody to the adoptive parent with all legal steps being taken to transfer parental rights and custody to the adoptive parent. This would be a temporary placement until the adoption petition is filed and formal placement is completed. Attorneys and child placing agencies can assist a parent in a direct placement. A preplacement assessment for proposed adoptive parents are required.

Court or state wards (AM). In this type of adoption, the child’s birth parents have been terminated by the court and the child has become a ward of the State. Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are responsible for adoptive placements either with relatives or with a foster family.

Relative Adoptions (AF). A relative may adopt a child if they are related within the 5th degree. The relation may be by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Stepparent Adoptions (AY). A stepparent adoption occurs when the custodial parent marries and his or her spouse petitions to adopt the custodial parent’s child.

Adult Adoptions (AB). The adult adoptee will need to consent to the adoption. No consent by biological parents required.

Non Relative Guardianship Adoption (AN). A non-relative guardian must have full guardianship in order to adopt the child. The guardian must obtain the authority to consent to the adoption by the court that issued the guardianship. The guardian must also consent to their adoption of the child before a referee or Judge.

ADOPTION RESOURCES

Court Forms:

https://www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/numerical-index-of-adoption-court-forms/

Michigan Bar Association:

https://www.michbar.org/

Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange:

https://www.mare.org/

Michigan Adoption Information:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adoption

 Post Adoption Resources:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adoption/post-adoption-resources/post-adoption-resource-centers

Michigan Legal Help:

https://michiganlegalhelp.org/